With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Elk River, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more economical than you are aware, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what we advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might run longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this crucial service can lead to decreased efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your house isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given rooms, your air conditioner may be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you should replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are expensive. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and electrical costs down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The smartest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

We give free estimates at Home Comfort Heating & Air so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

The Size of the AC System

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This action can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.

At Home Comfort Heating & Air, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how big your home is, in addition to several other considerations. Some of the most typical sizes include:

  • 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
  • 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
  • 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
  • 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet

Other considerations that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Elk River.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, because expansive or picture windows might be less efficient.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to know:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
  • ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
  • Higher SEER-rated air conditioners have extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is usually pricier, it could be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Home Comfort Heating & Air Now

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as important as the model you go with. Home Comfort Heating & Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Elk River. From helping you find the recommended solution for your residence to going over financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Reach us at 763-276-0617 to get started today!